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New operating hours at selected state parks in effect

Reduced operational hours at selected Texas State Parks took effect December 1st. As explained at a Capitol briefing in late November, the changes were necessary in order to balance the state parks division budget for FY '06. Seventy-three positions were eliminated, 39 of which were occupied. TPWD provided two months notice and is making every effort to place those affected employees in other vacant positions throughout the agency. So far, more than a dozen employees have been placed in other TPWD positions. For more information, contact State Parks Division Director Walt Dabney, 512-389-4866 or walt.dabney@tpwd.state.tx.us.

- read more about state park hours

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Additional appropriation authority for TPWD requested

In accordance with TPWD’s Rider 27 of the General Appropriations Act approved by the 79th Legislature, TPWD is in the process of requesting additional appropriation authority for FY '06. Rider 27 would allow TPWD to receive additional appropriation authority for available revenue in excess of the Comptroller’s biennial estimate, should the Comptroller certify TPWD’s estimates. TPWD has provided background information to the Comptroller, the Legislative Budget Board and the Governor’s office documenting additional revenue in both Fund 64 (State Parks) and Fund 9 (Game Fish and Water Safety.) These additional revenues are due mainly to increased fees that have been in effect over the last year. Should the request be approved, $4.8 million would be available this year to assist State Parks with critical funding needs and would preclude the need for additional operational cutbacks or any further reduction in force. On the Game, Fish and Water Safety side of the ledger, $3.6 million would be available to fund unmet needs, with funds specifically earmarked for Law Enforcement.

- For more information, contact Mary Fields at 512-389-4803 or mary.fields@tpwd.state.tx.us

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TPWD ready to assist on avian flu if necessary

State and federal wildlife experts say the chance of people in Texas encountering wild migratory birds with HPAI H5N1 avian influenza this year is remote. However, authorities are launching proactive efforts to detect the disease if it comes to North America and they’re advising hunters about game bird handling to reduce general disease risks. Should avian flu be detected in the United States, TPWD will assist as requested by the lead federal authorities. For more information, contact Wildlife Division Director Mike Berger at 512-389-8092 or mike.berger@tpwd.state.tx.us.

- read news release "Wildlife Experts Advise Hunters About Avian Flu" - 10/24/05